Garage Door Won't Stay Up? It's Probably a Spring Problem

Q: Why does my garage door slowly fall after opening?

This indicates weak or failing springs that have lost tension. Springs counterbalance the door's weight. As they wear, they lose lifting power, and the door drifts down. This is a warning sign—the spring will eventually break completely.

Q: Is a falling garage door dangerous?

Yes! A garage door weighs 150-250+ pounds. If springs fail completely while the door is up, it can fall suddenly and with force. This can crush anything underneath—including cars, property, or people. Address falling doors immediately.

Q: Can I adjust the spring to fix a falling door?

Sometimes a tension adjustment fixes the issue temporarily. However, if springs are losing tension due to age, adjustment is a short-term fix. The spring will continue to weaken. Often, replacement is the better long-term solution.

Q: How much does it cost to fix a falling garage door?

Spring tension adjustment costs $75-$125. If springs need replacement, expect $150-$275 for single spring, $275-$450 for double springs. Given the safety risk, fixing a falling door promptly is essential.

When your garage door slowly drifts down after opening, or won't stay up at all, you're seeing the warning signs of a spring problem. Here's what's happening and what to do about it.

⚠️ Safety Warning

A door that won't stay up can fall suddenly if the springs fail completely. This is a 150-250 lb object. Until repaired, don't stand or place anything under an open door, and don't let children near it.

Fix This Before the Spring Breaks

Proactive repair is safer and often cheaper than emergency service

(281) 906-4783

Same-day service in Katy, TX

Why Your Door Won't Stay Up

Weak/Worn Springs

Springs lose tension over time. As they weaken, they can no longer fully counterbalance the door's weight. The door drifts down because gravity is winning. This is the most common cause and usually means the spring is near the end of its life.

Incorrect Spring Tension

If springs were installed with too little tension, or if they've been adjusted incorrectly, the door won't stay up. A professional can measure and adjust tension—but if springs are old, replacement is better than adjustment.

One Spring Broken (Dual System)

On doors with two springs, if one breaks, the remaining spring may lift the door but can't hold it. The door opens but immediately starts falling. You'll usually hear the break (loud bang) before noticing this symptom.

Damaged Cables or Drums

Cables that have slipped off drums or are frayed can cause similar symptoms. The springs may be fine, but the system can't transfer spring force to the door properly.

The Danger of Ignoring This Problem

A door that won't stay up is telling you the springs are about to fail completely. When they do:

The door will drop suddenly (not slowly)
Anything under it will be crushed
The opener will be damaged from the sudden load
You'll need emergency service instead of scheduled repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my garage door slowly fall after opening?

This indicates weak springs that have lost tension. Springs counterbalance the door's weight. As they wear, they lose lifting power, and gravity pulls the door down. This is a warning sign—the spring will break soon.

Is a falling garage door dangerous?

Yes! Garage doors weigh 150-250+ pounds. If springs fail while the door is up, it can fall suddenly and forcefully, crushing anything underneath. Address falling doors immediately.

Can I adjust the spring to fix a falling door?

Sometimes tension adjustment works temporarily ($75-$125). But if springs are losing tension due to age, they'll continue to weaken. Replacement is often the better long-term solution.

How much does it cost to fix a falling garage door?

Tension adjustment: $75-$125. Spring replacement: $150-$275 (single) or $275-$450 (double). Given the safety risk, prompt repair is essential. Call (281) 906-4783 for a quote.

🔧 Don't Wait for the Spring to Break

Schedule repair now while it's still safe